The English market is an indoor market origins of the market can be traced back to James 1st in 1610 but the present building dates from 1786 which was built in Grande Parade to sell meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. The English Market is still in operation today and is one of the highlights of any visit to Cork. Nowadays the meat, fruit and vegetables stand side by side with gourmet food sellers specialising in all sorts of olives, pates, cheeses, pastas and oriental food. The English Market has entrances on Princes Street, Patrick Street and the Grand Parade.

The market is open from it is always bustling and is well worth strolling through it to take in the atmosphere and the smells as well as admiring the beautiful structure. One of Ireland's top restaurants the Farm Gate restaurant is located on the upstairs with balconies overlooking the nineteenth century fountain by the Princes Street entrance.Located on a first-floor terrace in the English Market, the Farmgate Café serves superb value lunches that often use ingredients sourced from the stalls below. The menu includes traditional Cork delicacies such as tripe and onions with drisheen (a type of black pudding made from sheep's blood), plus Irish lamb stew, seafood chowder, salads and open sandwiches. Best to sit on one of the stools that line the balcony and watch the market activity below.